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Getting Started

Install Pluely v1 on Windows

Pluely v1 on Windows offers the exact same feature set as the macOS and Linux builds — the overlay, Listen mode, screenshots, and Pluely's managed models. This guide covers downloading, installing, and clearing the one-time SmartScreen prompt.

1. Download the installer

Visit pluely.com/downloads and download the Windows build. The installer file lands in your Downloads folder.

2. Run the installer

  1. Double-click the downloaded installer.
  2. Windows SmartScreen may show a blue "Windows protected your PC" screen because the app is new or not yet widely recognized.
  3. If you see this, click "More info," then click "Run anyway."
  4. Follow the installer prompts to complete setup. Pluely installs in seconds and can launch automatically when finished.

3. First launch

When Pluely opens, the overlay appears as a small always-on-top panel that stays above other windows without stealing focus. Use the keyboard shortcut shown in the app to show or hide it.

4. Grant permissions

Pluely will prompt for the access it needs:

  • Microphone — needed for Listen mode and push-to-talk. Accept the Windows microphone prompt, or check Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone if it was dismissed.
  • Screen access — enables system-audio capture (so Pluely can hear the other side of a call) and screenshots. Windows may prompt separately, or you can confirm it under Settings > Privacy & security > Screen recording (naming varies slightly by Windows version).

Without screen access granted, Listen mode will only pick up your own voice, not the other participant, and screenshots will fail.

5. Activate your license

Paste your license key into Pluely to unlock Pluely's managed models and Pro features. If you plan to bring your own provider key or a local CLI like Claude Code, Gemini CLI, or Ollama, you can skip activation and configure that instead.

Troubleshooting

  • SmartScreen keeps blocking the app — make sure you clicked "More info" before "Run anyway"; the direct "Run anyway" button only appears after expanding More info.
  • Microphone prompt never appeared — open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and manually allow Pluely.
  • Listen mode misses the other speaker — screen/audio capture permission was likely denied; re-check Settings > Privacy & security and restart Pluely.
  • Overlay is missing after install — check the system tray; Pluely may already be running. Use the keyboard shortcut to toggle the overlay into view.
  • Antivirus quarantines the installer — this is common with new installers; restore the file from quarantine and re-run it, or re-download from pluely.com/downloads.

Last updated 2026-07-10 · pluely.com